Symptom 9: Breathing Difficulties: Plasmablastic Lymphoma’s Stranglehold on the Lungs
Taking a breath — it’s so natural that we hardly give it a thought. But for some PBL patients, each inhalation can be an effort, a reminder of the disease’s encroachment on the respiratory system.
Now, one might wonder how a lymphoma affects breathing. In PBL, malignant cells can accumulate around the chest or even infiltrate the lung tissue. This accumulation can lead to fluid build-up, known as pleural effusion, which compresses the lungs.
Imagine trying to inflate a balloon while someone’s gently squeezing it. That’s what the lungs undergo — a constant external pressure, making full expansion challenging. The resulting shortness of breath can range from mild to severe, often worsening with activity.
But there’s a twist. Breathing difficulties don’t always stem from physical obstructions. The body’s reduced oxygen-carrying capacity, due to PBL affecting the bone marrow and thus red blood cell production, can also cause breathlessness.
Regardless of its cause, experiencing breathing difficulties brings a stark realization of the body’s vulnerability. It’s not just about the physical discomfort but also the emotional turmoil of feeling trapped within one’s own body. Awareness of this symptom is crucial as it signifies the disease’s possible escalation and underscores the body’s fight for every breath. (9)
